Upgrading Software; Overview; Software Types - HP 10500 Series Configuration Manual

Upgrading software

Overview

Software upgrade enables you to add new features and fix bugs. This chapter describes types of
software and procedures to upgrade software from the CLI without using ISSU. For a comparison of all
software upgrade methods, see
When you upgrade software, you do not need to upgrade MPUs and interface cards separately. The
software images are integrated for MPUs and interface cards. The interface cards upgrade automatically
when you upgrade MPUs.
In an eIRF system, the parent devices and PEXs use separate software images. You must specify software
images for the parent devices and PEXs separately. For more information about eIRF, see Virtual
Technologies Configuration Guide.
Unless otherwise stated, the term "IRF system" refers to both IRF fabrics and eIRF systems. The term "IRF
fabric" refers to both a standalone IRF fabric and the parent fabric in an eIRF system.
NOTE:
In an eIRF system, the master device on the parent fabric is also the master of the entire system.

Software types

The following software types are available:
BootWare image—A .bin file that contains a basic segment and an extended segment. The basic
•
segment is the minimum code that bootstraps the system. The extended segment enables hardware
initialization and provides system management menus. You can use these menus to load software
and the startup configuration file or manage files when the device cannot start up correctly. For easy
software compatibility management, the BootWare image is contained in the Boot image file. The
BootWare image is upgraded automatically when the Boot image is upgraded.
• Comware image—Includes the following image subcategories:
Boot image—A .bin file that contains the Linux operating system kernel. It provides process
management, memory management, and file system management.
System image—A .bin file that contains the minimum feature modules required for device
operation and some basic features, including device management, interface management,
configuration management, and routing.
Feature image—A .bin file that contains advanced software features.
Patch image—A .bin file irregularly released for fixing bugs without rebooting the device. A
patch image does not add new features or functions.
Comware images that have been loaded are called current Comware images. Comware images
specified to load at the next startup are called startup Comware images.
"Upgrade methods."
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